Anionic polymerization of star‐shaped nylon 6 with a trifunctional initiator

Abstract

Abstract The anionic polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam (CLM) has been shown to proceed at high reaction rate when catalyzed by metallic lactamates and initiated by acyllactams. The role of initiator and catalyst concentration on the process of ϵ‐caprolactam anionic polymerization has been explored, with the aim of selecting the most suitable experimental conditions for reaction injection molding (RIM). The overall polymerization rates and physical properties for reaction injection molding of star‐shaped nylon 6 homopolymer have been studied by the quasi‐adiabatic process. In order to model the actual rapid molding conditions, time vs. temperature reaction profiles were measured, and the relative rates of polymerization subsequently determined from these data.